Mahomes sets record NFL season best as Kansas City Chiefs clinch no.1 seed

08 January 2023 , 03:12

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Patrick Mahomes has enjoyed a record campaign (Image: Getty Images)

Another season, another record for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but this is one of his best accomplishments to date.

The Chiefs have wrapped up the regular season and secured the top seed in the AFC, meaning that they'll skip the first playoff weekend and watch on as they enjoy a short break. The Chiefs just needed to beat Las Vegas Raiders to clinch top spot, and did so with a 31-13 win.

Mahomes is without doubt one of the best in the business, and is setting himself up nicely to be regarded as one of the best of all-time. And he's already helped his case, as he's set the record for the most offensive yards (passing + rushing + receiving) in a single season by a quarterback in NFL history.

5,614 yards is the final total for Mahomes in the regular season, and although his passing yards aren't the highest of all-time, his rushing totals have bumped him above greats such as Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Payton Manning. The Chiefs ended the regular season with a record of 14-3, and they're one of the favourites to lift the Super Bowl trophy once more.

Mahomes threw 41 passing touchdowns across 17 games this season, and even rushed four in himself. The quarterback had a completion rate of 67 percent, as 435 of his 648 attempts were successful.

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12 interceptions is a stat that Mahomes won't want to see, but thankfully his heroics still ensured the Chiefs remained in top spot. But the unfortunate events that occurred on Monday night also inadvertently strengthened their hand.

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The Buffalo Bills were leading the AFC, but after their clash with Cincinnati Bengals was postponed in the first quarter it disrupted their run. However, the only important factor here is that Damar Hamlin is healthy, after his cardiac arrest on the field mid-game brought the sporting world to a halt.

The NFL has ensured that in the playoffs they will make it as fair as possible should the Bills win their final clash against the New England Patriots. If the Bills meet the Chiefs in the AFC conference final, the game will be played on a neutral site to remove any unfair advantage.

It was a week like no other in the NFL, and in a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "This has been a very difficult week. We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country. We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them."

Joseph McBride